A solid foundation for our hospitals

The first NHS foundation trusts are now 18 months old. Our critics believed our existence would be detrimental to the NHS, but we have confounded their predictions and are already demonstrating real value by using our freedoms to innovate and improve services for patients and local communities (Comment, November 4).

We are new kinds of organisations, based on the principles of mutuality, run by corporate boards and accountable to patients, public, staff and stakeholders, through members and the councils of governors they elect. We are fast approaching half a million members between the existing 32 foundation trusts, with many more in the pipeline as members of NHS trusts poised to become foundation trusts. For the first time, the enthusiasm of local people is being mobilised to give people a real say in their healthcare.

Our health service now needs to create more organisations that will become efficient and effective. We believe the government must step up the pace if it is to meet its manifesto commitment to offer all NHS trusts the chance to become an NHS foundation trust by 2008. We call upon the government to give renewed political momentum to get more NHS trusts through the starting gate on their journey to become foundation trusts, and to give them better support to pass the demanding test of authorisation. We pledge our support to government and colleagues in the NHS to help them succeed.David Hooper Chair, Basildon and Thurrock University hospitals NHS foundation trustAndrew Cash Chief executive, Sheffield teaching hospitals NHS foundation trustThomas Boyd Carpenter Chair, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS foundation trust and 10 others